Electric pans: features and choices

Along with many popular gadgets that greatly facilitate the cooking process, there is a device on the home appliance market such as an electric frying pan. This device is popular for both home use and catering. However, not everyone knows exactly what the features of such a product are, what varieties are on the market, and how to properly operate the device. These nuances must be learned before purchasing this device, and all of them will be discussed in detail in this article.

As you might guess from the name of the device, the electric frying pan works directly from the power source. Its design is very similar in shape to a conventional frying pan, but the main difference is that the electric frying pan is equipped with a special infrared or thermal heating element. It is he who is saturated with energy from the source and heats the surface of the device.

A frying pan powered by an electrical network is an indispensable device for those who do not have a gas stove in their home, for example, students. And also it is perfect for those who like to get out to the country. The main advantages of this device are several factors.

• The pan is equipped with a special thermostat that allows you to control the heating temperature of the surface of the device.
• On such an electrical appliance, you can cook various dishes without using vegetable oil, which cannot be done on many models of conventional pans or with a minimum amount of oil.
• Caring for the device is quite easy. Unlike traditional models of pans, which have to be cleaned both from the inside and from the outside, it is enough to wash the electrical analogue only from the inside, since carbon deposits do not form on the outside.
• The surface of the electric frying pan heats up not only quickly, but evenly. This also affects the heat treatment of food - it also happens more evenly.
• A set with such a device often comes with additional useful elements that facilitate the process of its operation, for example, anti-slip stands.
• Without exception, all models of these devices are equipped with a non-stick type coating.
• An indispensable advantage will be the function of heating food. In an electric pan, you can do this in the same way as in a microwave, while in a regular pan there is a risk of frying the dish more during the heating process.

The disadvantages of such devices should not be neglected, although they are few in number.

• Some pans are not designed to remove the cord and adapter. Because of this, the process of washing such products becomes quite troublesome.
• Additional electricity costs. If you actively use this device, be prepared for the fact that your electricity bill will increase.
• Some models are quite expensive.

Like most household appliances, the electric frying pan is available in stores in certain varieties, each of which has its own distinctive characteristics.

• The first criterion is the location of the heating elements. They, as a rule, are built into the bottom of the device, but there are also such models in which these elements are also located in the lids. Heating for the latter type turns out to be two-sided.
• Another sign is the shape of the pan. It can be not only round, but also rectangular with rounded corners, square or oval. The dimensions of the device may also vary.
• One of the criteria is the material from which the pan lid is made. There are two options here - metal and glass.

In addition to the shapes, sizes and location of heaters, an important feature is the function of such devices, according to the characteristics of which there is also a classification of species.

• Pan wok It has high sides and a cone-shaped bottom. It is used, as a rule, for stewing, sautéing, cooking stews, crumbly cereals or pilaf.

• Special type electric pans designed to prepare specific meals, most often steaks, pizza or other baked goods. Most of these devices are double-sided.

• Multifunctional mini-format products. The list of dishes that can be cooked in such elegant devices is huge and can include both classic scrambled eggs or casserole, as well as more complex meat dishes.

• Electric models, specially designed for frying meat and vegetables, they have two-sided heating and are called grill pans.

• Electric Travel Mini Frying Pan has a compact body. It allows you to use it for heating ready meals. And also on it you can fry sausages, scrambled eggs or make hot sandwiches.

When choosing the most suitable frying pans for you, you should pay attention to such models that have already gained popularity and positive reviews in the household appliances market. These include several products.

• The first oven-frying pan produced under the Russian brand "Great Rivers" was model "Sorceress-1"... It is a device with a round body with a diameter of 36 centimeters and a depth of 7 centimeters. The lid, equipped with a special hole for steam outlet, is made of durable glass, and the handles do not heat up. Equipped with a power of 1500 W, this pan also has several temperature settings. The approximate cost of such a model is 2500 rubles.

• An electric-type frying pan, which is closer in parameters to mini models, is called Galaxy GL 2660. The depth of this device is only 4 centimeters, it is equipped with rubberized feet, as well as a lid made of glass. The handles of such a frying pan are also made from heat-resistant raw materials. Such a model is ideal for trips to the country, and at the same time it will be inexpensive - from 900 to 1200 rubles.

• The representative of domestic products in the field of electric furnaces is model "Miracle" double-sided heating, made of aluminum. This multifunctional frying pan is used for all types of cooking, except for grilling. Its capacity is more than three liters and the height of the walls is four centimeters.

The process of choosing a frying pan that works from the mains must be approached very responsibly. During this procedure, a number of important criteria are taken into account.

• The body material determines parameters such as the weight of the device. Most models of electric frying pans are made of aluminum, but there are also cast iron counterparts that will be heavier. Make sure that the material of the handles is heat resistant. If the pan is chosen for the home, then the weight may not be so important, but if you plan to transport it, then too massive structures will become an extra burden.
• Make sure that the cover is made of durable glass and that it is not too flat. The rounded lid allows you to place larger pieces of food in the pan.
• Give preference to those units from which you can disconnect the power cord for cleaning the case.
• The wider the range of temperature regulation, the more dishes you can cook in an electric frying pan, so pay close attention to this parameter.
• A useful element in the design of the device will be a spout built into the body. It allows you to get rid of excess liquid during the preparation of certain dishes.
• Power ratings should be selected based on the purpose of use, its frequency and the number of people for whom food will be prepared. A large family, for example, will need a more powerful device than a single person.
• Cooking preferences. They determine the required depth of the structure. For example, if you like meat and often make steaks, then you need a deeper skillet.

It is worth cleaning and caring for an electrical appliance of this type, adhering to certain rules.

• Before washing the device, make sure that it is not plugged into a power source and that the surface is completely cool.
• Next, you need to disconnect the control panel by first disconnecting it from the network.
• Wipe the pan dry, but if carbon deposits form, you can pour water and boil it. So carbon deposits can be easily removed without damaging the non-stick layer. You need to boil for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the degree of contamination.
• The surface must be cleaned with a soft cloth or the non-rough side of the sponge. Be sure to let the case dry after cleaning.
• The lid can be washed in a dishwasher using a variety of detergents.
• After the pan is dry, lightly grease the working part with vegetable oil.
• Be careful not to let water or cleaning agents get into the control panel slot.
• Remember that you must not immerse the device in water or use aggressive agents to clean it.

For an overview of the Clatronic PP 3401 electric frying pan, see the following video.